Pro Dive Cairns Rescue Diver Course (1 Day Classroom + 3 Day/2Night Liveaboard)

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BECOMING A RESCUE DIVER: Our PADI Rescue Diver course is conducted over four days in conjunction with our three day, two-night liveaboard dive trip. The course consists of one day of pool and classroom training at our PADI Five Star Dive and Career Development Centre followed by the three-day liveaboard trip. You will get up to 10 dives on a variety of spectacular outer reef locations. These dives consist of a combination of training and recreational dives.

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Includes

PADI Rescue Diver manual
Passport photos
Accommodation transfers (Cairns City)

10 dives (weather permitting)
Dive insurance
2 night’s accommodation on board vessel

All meals whilst on board
Bed linen
All dive equipment (dive computer & wetsuit)

Pro Dive Cairns Rescue Diver Course (1 Day Classroom + 3 Day/2Night Liveaboard)

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Day 1

PRIOR TO LIVEABOARD 1 DAY CLASSOOM THEORY AND POOL

08:00 Hotel transfer available

Complimentary from Cairns city accommodation. Costs apply for Northern Beaches transfers.

08:30 Classroom theory sessions

The morning is spent covering four key theory sections: self-rescue and diver stress, diving first aid and equipment, emergency management, diving equipment

13:00 Practical pool session

The afternoon is spent in the pool introducing students to the skills they will need to progress through the course. The emphasis of this session is to allow students to develop their rescue skills and techniques in a controlled environment prior to applying the new skills in an ocean environment.

LIVEABOARD - DAY 1

06:00 Hotel transfer available

Complimentary from Cairns city accommodation. Costs apply for Northern Beaches transfers.

06:20 Check-in at Pro Dive Cairns retail shop

Corner of Grafton and Shields streets, open map

07:00 Depart Cairns

Depart Cairns for 3 days and 2 nights of fantastic diving/snorkelling on The Great Barrier Reef. A light breakfast is served onboard.

11:00 Dive 1: tired diver, panicked diver, response from boat

Your first dive is before lunch

12:30 Lunch

14:30 Dive 2: tired diver, panicked diver, response from boat

Head off and discover more underwater delights. Once you have completed your dive, the vessel moves on to the next site.

16:30 Dive 3: distressed diver underwater, surfacing the unresponsive diver

After an afternoon of relaxing, it is time for your third dive of the trip

18:00 Dinner time

19:45 Dive 4: the night dive

We try to do the night dive at the same site as the afternoon dive, as this way you are familiar with your surroundings.

Day 2

LIVEABOARD - DAY 2

07:00 Dive 5: non swimming rescues

The vessel moves for an early morning dive. Look out for splendid gorgonian fans, giant clams and bumphead parrotfish.

09:00 Breakfast

11:15 Dive 6

After breakfast, the vessel moves on for the second dive of the day.

12:45 Lunch is served

15:15 Dive 7: missing diver search

After lunch, it is time for your third dive.

17:45 Dinner is served

19:30 Dive 8: night dive!

Night dive!

Day 3

LIVEABOARD - DAY 3

06:30 Dive 9: rescue scenario 1

Your first dive of the day – a sunrise dive to enjoy the reef waking up.

07:30 Breakfast

09:00

Dive 10: rescue scenario 2

11:00 Dive 11

The last dive of the trip, finished by 1200 noon

12:00 Lunch

16:00 Hotel return transfer

Complimentary return transfer to Cairns city accommodation. Costs apply for Northern Beaches transfers.

19:30 Farewell dinner (optional, additional cost)

Join fellow passengers and crew at a local restaurant for a farewell dinner

Good to know

Please note: Some medical conditions will prevent you from diving. You'll be required to complete a statement about your current health and fitness to dive onboard the vessel prior to any diving taking place. If you are unsure, please contact Pro Dive Cairns for more information Fuel Surcharge: Due to significant volatility in fuel supply and operational costs, a surcharge will apply and be collected at check-in on the day of travel (Per person - $25 AUD).

What to bring

Overnight bag with comfortable clothing and toiletries, towel, swimwear, sunscreen and hat.
Evidence of recognised dive certification equivalent to PADI Open Water Diver or higher is required for all divers.

What is included

PADI Rescue Diver manual
Passport photos
Accommodation transfers (Cairns City)
10 dives (weather permitting)
Dive insurance
2 night’s accommodation on board vessel
All meals whilst on board
Bed linen
All dive equipment (dive computer & wetsuit)
Prescription masks if needed
Torch batteries and cyalume sticks for night diving
FOOD AND BEVERAGES - (Liveaboard)
Fully catered, buffet style, freshly prepared meals
Unlimited tea, coffee and Milo
A limited range of different dietary requirements can be catered for; please enquire with our reservations team for specifics before your trip
We recommend gluten intolerant or vegan guests bring snacks that don’t require refrigeration
No bottled water is kept on board; personal drink bottles and filtered chilled water is available
Soft drinks, fruit juice and chocolate bars are available at additional cost

Not included

Digital Underwater Camera's are available for hire at an additional cost.
Environmental Management Charge Fee ($95 till March 31st 2026 | $100 from April 1st 2026). Payable to Pro Dive Cairns at check-in.
Additional Cost for Northern Beaches Pickup (from 1st January 2026)
Fuel Surcharge: Due to significant volatility in fuel supply and operational costs, a surcharge will apply and be collected at check-in on the day of travel (Per person - $25 AUD).

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.